Canberrans are urged to take caution as there have been isolated incidents of bogus Census Collectors in the ACT.

People who are not Census Collectors have tried to pick-up completed forms from a small number of Canberra households.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is taking this matter very seriously and has notified the police.All Collectors are required to wear official identification cards at all times while undertaking Census duties. Collectors will also be carrying bright yellow satchels.

According to manager of ACT Census operations, Alan Masters, it is very important that people check their Census Collector's pass before handing over their form.

"Your Census Collector will have an official identification card with them at all times. Do not hand over your completed Census form unless you see this," said Alan.

"Collectors will also be working from 8.00am to 8.30pm on weekdays or 9.00am to 8.30pm on weekends. Be alert if someone visits you outside of these hours.

"Collectors visiting households are legally entitled to go to the front door of a dwelling to deliver and collect Census forms. They should not pass any locked barrier or security gate, or enter any dwelling without being invited to do so."

Collectors have until 28 August to collect the completed Census forms, unless people have submitted it online. They are required to pick up a completed form from a householder in person. If a householder is not at home they will leave a calling card giving an estimate of when they will return.

Unless a householder has specifically asked the ABS to contact them by phone, anyone phoning up and claiming to be from the ABS asking Census-related questions is not an ABS officer.

People taking part in other ABS surveys are sometimes contacted by phone. Anyone with concerns should call the Census Inquiry Service on 1300 362 883.